ABSTRACT
European examples of such associations already possess a wealth of practical experience. The Union of Large and Young Families in the Flemish Community of Belgium boasts several million members out of a population of 7 million; activities include family life education, preparation for childbirth, loans and hire of baby equipment, self-help and mutual support groups for all types of families (single and dual parent), help for the disabled and elderly within families, advice on childrearing and dealing with teenagers. The Flemish Union of Families is constituted to promote solidarity between families, advance the interests of families, and advocate a family and child oriented society. The Flemish Union has developed a high-profile Five Year Agenda which aims to ensure that the family dimension is considered in every policy, that attention is paid to the financial capacity of families and that policy-makers recognise the changing nature of family living in terms of demography, social security, environment, paid work, education and caring.
